On some occasions, we earn revenue from content. This commercial content is compiled via expert opinion. Clicking in certain hyperlinks within this article will redirect you to a 3rd party.

It may seem a distance away due to the current break in football - but once back, Crystal Palace will enter their 30th game of the season sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League and destined for a midtable finish, but there’s a real feel-good factor about Roy Hodgson’s club at the minute.

The reason for the optimism is The Eagles are one of only two teams in the English top-flight who have won each of their last three Premier League outings. The other side on that list are fellow Londoners Arsenal, led by ambitious young manager Mikel Arteta. Will Palace keep the run going? The top six finish odds in the current betting makes interesting reading.

Europe remains a possibility

Regulars at Selhurst Park wish their favourites would have found their feet a little earlier in the campaign, giving the side a chance of pressuring the European places. As it stands, Palace show stats of 10 wins and nine draws against 10 defeats, scoring 26 goals and conceding 32. They rank amongst the lowest scorers in the division but also have one of the best defence records.

With 29 games in the book, Palace are four points behind Wolves and a spot in the top six that would see them qualify for the Europa League next season. More importantly, they are a dozen points better than the relegation zone. Room to breathe has allowed the squad and coaching staff to relax and enjoy their football again, having a positive effect on results.

Three game winning run

A three-game winning run began with a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United before they handed out the same punishment to Brighton and Watford. Three wins is pleasing, three clean sheets have also put a smile on Hodgson’s face as we enter the latter stages of the campaign. Nine points from three games means the Londoners can now look up, targeting a top 10 finish.

They gave a good overall performance against an improved Watford side coming in on the back of an upset win over Liverpool. Jordan Ayew scored the only goal of the game that day, taking his recent tally to four in his last 11 league outings. Speaking to the press about their hard-fought win, Hodgson commented on a brave defence and fully deserved it too. Watford had more of the ball but were limited to just three shots on target, denied on each occasion.

Traders write off a top six finish

When the season returns, Crystal Palace fans have some eye-catching fixtures ahead. They will visit Bournemouth and the Cherries will be fighting for their lives at the wrong end of the table before making the trip to Anfield. That sturdy defence will be tested to breaking point in both games, although it would be fair to say Liverpool’s form has gone off the boil in recent weeks. Could it be a good time for in form Palace to face the league leaders?

Anything more than three points from a possible six would be a real shot in the arm for The Eagles chances of reaching the top six. Will they do it? Coral football betting service currently lists their odds of finishing in the top six at 33/1. That quote will surely catch the eye of supporters and a fair share of value hunters too. If the club can continue their winning run those odds will reduce dramatically in the coming weeks. Hodgson will view a top 10 finish as a real achievement, but fans can always dream.

This is Local London encourages readers to gamble responsibly. For advice and information, please visit the BeGambleAware website here for free, confidential help.